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What
is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?
A flexible sigmoidoscopy (SIG-moy-DAH-skuh-pee)
enables the physician to look at the inside of the large intestine from the
rectum through the last part of the colon, called the sigmoid or descending
colon. Physicians may use the procedure to find the cause of diarrhea,
abdominal pain, or constipation. They also use it to look for early signs of
cancer in the descending colon  and rectum. With flexible sigmoidoscopy, the
physician can see bleeding, inflammation, abnormal growths, and ulcers in the
descending colon and rectum. Flexible sigmoidoscopies are not sufficient to
detect polyps or cancer in the ascending or transverse colon (two-thirds of
the colon).
For the procedure, you will lie
on your left side on the examining table. The physician will insert a short,
flexible, lighted tube into your rectum and slowly guide it into your colon.
The tube is called a sigmoidoscope (sig-MOY-duh-skope). The scope transmits an
image of the inside of the rectum and colon, so the physician can carefully
examine the lining of these organs. The scope also blows air into these
organs, which inflates them and helps the physician see better.
If anything unusual is in your
rectum or colon, like a polyp or inflamed tissue, the physician can remove a
piece of it using instruments inserted into the scope. The physician will send
that piece of tissue (biopsy) to the lab for testing.
Bleeding and puncture of the
colon are possible complications of sigmoidoscopy. However, such complications
are uncommon.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy takes 10
to 20 minutes. During the procedure, you might feel pressure and slight
cramping in your lower abdomen. You will feel better afterward when the air
leaves your colon.
How
do I prepare for the procedure?
There are
important steps that you must take to prepare for the procedure. First, be prepared to give a complete list of all medications you are
taking, as well as any allergies you have to drugs or other substances. Your physician will also want to know if you have any other medical
conditions that may need special attention before, during, or after the
colonoscopy.
You will be
given prep instructions in advance that will outline that you should and
should not do in preparation for the flexible sigmoidoscopy. Be sure to read and follow these
instructions. So patients are given a conscious sedation before the
procedure to relax them but in general, since the flexible sigmoidoscopy only
looks at the first portion of the large bowel, most patient do not need to
have sedation. You can discuss
this with your physician at the time of your office visit.
What
can you expect during a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
For the
procedure, you will lie on your left side on the examining table. The physician will insert a short, flexible, lighted tube into your
rectum and slowly guide it into your colon. The tube is called a sigmoidoscope. The scope transmits an image of the inside of the rectum and colon, so
the physician can carefully examine the lining of these organs.
If anything
unusual is in your rectum or colon, like a polyp or inflamed tissue, the
physician can remove a piece of it using instruments inserted into the scope. The physician will send that piece of tissue, called a biopsy, to the
pathologist for testing.
What
are the possible complications from a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Bleeding and
puncture of the colon are possible complications of the sigmoidoscopy however,
such complications are uncommon.
What
can you expect after your flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Occasionally,
minor problems may persist, such as bloating, gas or mild cramping. These symptoms should disappear in 12-24 hours or less. If you had conscious sedation with your procedure, you will need a ride
home from a family member or friend. It
is recommended that you do not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours.
If you did
not receive any sedation, you will be able to drive yourself home if desired.
We ask that you please call one
week after your procedure for the test results, preferably before noon.
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